Now is a great time to see and hear Tundra Swans from the marshes at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. I saw several large flocks of them yesterday from there.
Autumn flock of Tundra Swans in flight – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1250, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
From the auto tour route, I saw one large flock of swans lift off from the water in the distance. I tracked the large white birds with my eyes until I was able to pull over and take photos of them with the Promontory Mountains in the background. Even though the swans were miles away, I could hear their calls.
The calls of these Tundra Swans touches a wild, primal part of me that aches to take wing with these birds. To see what they see, to go where they go.
During autumn, I have been able to take lovely images of these migrating swans from the refuge and Farmington Bay WMA. When I photographed this large flock of swans, they were flying south, and I wondered if they were heading to Farmington Bay WMA.
Side Note:
I was surprised to see the mountainsides so green this late in the year. We did just go through a rainy, warmer than normal, week and that might be why.
Winter Tundra Swans in flight, February 7, 2018 – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/5000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I have had better luck taking closer photos of the Tundra Swans at Bear River MBR from late January until early April than I have during the fall. Earlier this year, when there was still snow and ice at the refuge, I had several days when photographing the swans was simply spectacular.
Seeing the swans, listening to their calls, observing their behaviors, and capturing photos of these wild, white, winged creatures is a spiritual experience that I relish with every fiber of my being.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Tundra Swan photos plus facts and information about this species.
Simply terrific pics. The symmetry you captured in your second shot is really beautiful. Thanks Mia.
Fantastic captures! I’d have been so excited to see them too!
They are lovey to see and watch. Thanks for the photos and very well done.
Lucky, lucky you. I only see our swans in v small groups – and delight in them.
Thanks for the heads u, Mia. I was there Friday did not see them
They are beautiful. I think they are jumpy due to swan hunt in Utah. This year it is from Oct 7 to Dec 9 unless 20 trumpeter are killed before the end date. Anyone who knows swans knows how barbaric this hunt is, I hate it.
Astonishing image of the 2 swans. Hard to see where the wing shadows are coming from!
Such beauty and grace. Thank you!
I haven’t seen any Tundra Swans yet on the Niagara River but I’m hoping they will be here soon. I love hearing them.
Liz, I hope you see and hear them soon! Their calls are so wonderful!